According to transcripts of Smith's conversation with officers at Rochdale Police Station, Smith told how he talked to a boy: "He told me what you had been asking him. He told me he had made a statement to you.

"I've seen two of them and the third came to see me. I've asked them if they have made statements."

Later in the conversation, Smith said: "I've got to give a decision, one way or another, whether I'm going to fight the next Parliamentary Election."

Danczuk said: "This exchange reveals how hard Cyril was pushing the police to drop charges and the fact that he was warned for interfering with witnesses shows he was clearly trying to influence the investigation.

"I know from speaking to police officers that Cyril had too much influence on the case and this transcript is a perfect illustration of what he was up to."